BLAND — The Bland Board of Aldermen discussed possible zoning changes for tiny homes and future wastewater improvements during its May 11 meeting.

A lengthy discussion centered around zoning regulations for tiny homes and future residential development. Officials debated possible minimum square footage requirements for future homes and discussed whether amendments should be added to the city’s current zoning ordinance rather than rewriting the ordinance entirely.

“I think it needs to state something like any new construction of homes has to be a minimum of X amount of square feet,” Alderman Shari Morgan said.

The board discussed concerns involving overcrowding, neighborhood appearance and long-term property values. Shipping containers converted into living spaces were also raised as a possible future concern.

Officials said additional research would be conducted before any ordinance changes are finalized.

City Engineer Terris Cates also addressed the board. He explained the city will likely need a future bond issue to fund required wastewater system upgrades and warned residents could eventually see increases in water rates because of state and federal requirements.

He said the city would need public hearings before requesting a bond issue from voters and emphasized the project would be mandatory regardless of the election outcome.

The board also discussed the need for updated audits, debt service tracking and separate reserve accounts connected to street funding and bond obligations.

During discussion involving the city park and Independence Day activities, Spurgeon said the park board is planning a large celebration this year in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary.

“They’ve got the fireworks ready,” Spurgeon said.

Public Works Director Rodney Turner asked the board if they would sell a lawn mower and a non-functioning golf cart. Officials approved placing a Husqvarna mower and the golf cart up for bids after they discussed replacing the mowing equipment.

The board also approved purchasing 10 tons of cold patch material for pothole repairs at a $1,790 cost. Turner said the city’s recently approved one percent street sales tax should eventually help fund larger street improvement projects.

“I’m going to do what I can for something on the street, besides cold patch,” Turner said. “Once we get enough money to actually do something, then we’ll do some street projects every year.”

Board members also reviewed ongoing engineering work tied to a street grant project. They expressed concern about rising asphalt prices and project timelines, though they were told grant extensions could be obtained if necessary.

Discussion shifted to the city’s water system and aging infrastructure. Turner explained that portions of the older water system remain connected to the old water tower because not all lines were replaced during earlier projects after costs increased during the COVID-19 period. Officials shared the idea of eventually removing the old water tower from service.

Police Chief Charles Holtz reported Bland officers responded to 42 calls for service in April, conducted 62 traffic stops and made four arrests. One arrest involved approximately 11 grams of methamphetamine, though officials said formal charges are still pending lab testing.

Code enforcement issued 13 warning letters and four citations related to junk vehicles, trash and tall grass complaints.

The court report showed the city collected $2,454.69 in fines during April. After deductions, the city retained $2,258.31. Court was canceled during April because of tornado warnings. The next court date is scheduled for June 15 with substitute Judge Christopher Cruz presiding.

Board members also reviewed financial reports and discussed utility costs, phones, cameras and budget planning. Spurgeon said the city recently changed phone providers, reducing monthly costs from more than $800 per month to approximately $400 per month.

Officials discussed future street priorities and the possibility of establishing ordinances limiting heavy vehicle traffic on certain streets to help protect future road investments.

Shari Morgan was sworn in as alderman by Mayor Merrilee Spurgeon, then Morgan, acting as mayor pro tem, swore in Spurgeon. The board agreed to keep Morgan as the current mayor pro tem in place.